Define: Civil Case

A civil case is a legal dispute between two or more parties that typically involves private rights or remedies, as opposed to criminal matters. In a civil case, one party, known as the plaintiff, brings a lawsuit against another party, known as the defendant, seeking relief or compensation for an alleged harm, injury, or violation of legal rights. Civil cases encompass a wide range of legal issues, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, family law matters, and tort actions. The process of resolving a civil case usually involves filing a complaint, conducting discovery to gather evidence, pretrial motions, negotiation or mediation, and ultimately, a trial before a judge or jury if the parties cannot reach a settlement. In civil cases, the burden of proof typically rests with the plaintiff, who must establish their claims by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning that it is more likely than not that their version of events is true. If the plaintiff prevails, the court may award various remedies, such as monetary damages, injunctive relief, or specific performance, depending on the nature of the case and the legal principles involved.

Civil cases are cases that do not involve criminal crimes. Common civil cases include debt collection, general personal injury cases, medical malpractice cases, birth injury accidents, motorcycle accidents, car accidents, and breaches of contracts.

In a civil case, the burden of proof is on the plaintiff. For instance, if you have filed a personal injury claim, you must prove the defendant’s actions were negligent; they were the proximate cause of your injuries, and you suffered injury or loss. To prove your civil case, you should be prepared to offer evidence, which can include witness testimony, medical reports, photographs, video evidence, and doctor’s statements. Witnesses, such as expert witnesses, can also be asked to testify to provide additional proof for your civil case.

Civil cases also have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases. While crimes must generally be proved “beyond a reasonable doubt”, civil cases are generally proved through “the preponderance of the evidence.” If you have been sued, you can hire a lawyer to defend you, or if you have been injured, you can hire a personal injury lawyer to help you prove your case. All personal injury cases must be filed within a specified time frame called the statute of limitations. The statute of limitation varies by state, and if you fail to file your civil case within this specified time frame, you will eliminate your rights to compensation for your loss or injury.

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 11th April, 2024.